The Educational Pathways VET Ambassadors initiative has introduced 16 new ambassadors. The new cohort includes 5 VET teacher/trainers, and VET graduates from various industries including health, early childhood and electrotechnology.

This is the largest number of VET teacher/trainers to join the initiative in one intake, with the aim to expand the breadth of knowledge and experience the ambassadors bring to their engagements. The 5 new teacher/trainers work across a range of qualifications in both NSW government secondary schools and external training facilities and will help provide insight into how VET is delivered and the process for students moving through their VET qualification.

“Bringing in a larger team of VET teacher/trainers as ambassadors will be a game-changer. Their real-world insight into how students can incorporate VET into their secondary schooling will help both parents and students feel confident in considering VET pathways to support their career ambitions,” says Morgan Graham, the Educational Pathways VET Ambassadors initiative lead.

The other new ambassadors bring an impressive list of credentials in the VET space, each being recognised as a winner or finalist of the NSW Training Awards.

The group recently completed 4 days of professional development, where they learned strategies for effective social media engagement, sharpening their presentation skills and storytelling techniques. They also gained an understanding of the diverse school communities in the Educational Pathways Program (EPP), and the opportunities the EPP provides to support students considering a VET pathway.

Chloe Short, a new ambassador who studied a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing, now working as a Vet Nurse specialising in Bovine Reproduction, has been spurred on by the 4 days and is excited to start her engagements as an ambassador.

“We challenged ourselves, expanded our skills, and built a family of support that will last far beyond professional development week. The connections we’ve made and the knowledge we’ve gained will shape our futures, and hopefully the futures of many students, in ways we never imagined.”

The Educational Pathways VET Ambassadors initiative made a significant impact in 2024, completing over 150 engagements, including 6 roadshows in the new EPP regions of Far West, Far South Coast, and Far North West.

2025 is on track to be just as busy with more roadshows and targeted engagements — including digital formats to ensure every student can access the experience and knowledge of the ambassadors regardless of their location — being explored.

A highlight for Term 1 included ambassador Jacinta Ferris attending an International Women's Day celebration hosted by the Lake Macquarie group of schools. Over 100 attendees gathered to hear empowering stories from women like Jacinta, a qualified electrician for AGL and the winner of the 2024 Women in Trades category at the NSW Training Awards, who inspired female students to challenge stereotypes and strive for change.

The new Ambassadors joining the team are: